Game publisher 2K Sports released a bevy of details about the upcoming NBA 2K16, including more information on upgraded play-calling, offenses, play types, player interactions, improved gameplay, appropriate fan reactions and unique identities to each teams, all to make the latest edition of the hugely-successful NBA 2K franchise more challenging and realistic.
Game developer Da Czar posted a blog providing fans of the game an inside peek into the changes aimed at delivering a living world experience, including having the 30 coaches in the game to have their own behavior and responses to the scores on the stats. Each coaches in the latest NBA 2K16 will have their own mindset in strategizing their defense and offense.
"For 'NBA 2K16' we completely re-wrote our Drive Logic to work hand in hand with our 1 v 1 attack module. In what will become a common theme, we gave the A.I. fundamental basketball reads on which to base its drive decisions.
"The A.I. is aware of pull up, runner/floater, and layup distances. We use a touch down to check down philosophy so he is constantly aware of if the paint is open or clogged."
Da Czar said the developers at 2K sports have greatly improved the game's A.I.'s drive logic. Unlike the previous NBA 2K15 wherein the computers drive straight to the basket, the game will now be aware of its surroundings.
The new NBA 2K16 will see an improvement in its size up system and will not have players four unique size up moves to draw out a defender before going straight to the rim, snap a quick jump shot or kill time while surveying the floor.
Da Czar added, "We even have the A.I. check for the presence of shot blockers and allow that to play a role in its decision to drive. This happens for both regular drive attempts and when the A.I. is attacking using a pick and roll. Our A.I. also looks to punish defenders going under screens against guys who can stroke the three."
With the improvements in the game's A.I., players who will be tasked to defend against Carmelo Anthony will be forced to guard him all over the court.
The new NBA 2k 16 will also have a new feature called the "Adaptive Coaching Engine (ACE)." This feature eliminated playing the same for four quarters. The game play in each quarter for each team will be changing.
The blog continued, "ACE can update the play style for a team every time they are in possession of the ball. This allows for flexible, per possession distribution of the offense. ACE is able to make fluid tempo adjustments during the course of a game. For the Charlotte Hornets, If a play is called for Kemba Walker we can enable early offense for that possession. However, if the play call is for Al Jefferson, the A.I. can select the walk it up tempo to ensure we get the ball inside.
"ACE can allow the A.I. to alternate between set plays and any applicable freelance offense so that play repetition becomes a non-issue."
In a separate news, the NBA.com announced that the NBA2K16 will also feature the '04-'05 Suns which includes talents like Steve Nash, Amar'e Stoudemire, Shawn Marion, Quentin Richardson and Joe Johnson.
The release date for the NBA Live 16 is scheduled on September 29 but retailers are offering the special Early Tip Off version of the NBA 2K16 four days before it hit the shelves. Fans can have a copy of the ETO by September 25.
